Montefusco
A town on the hills of Campania: Montefusco
Montefusco is a small municipality in the province of Avellino, Campania, with just over a thousand inhabitants. The town is located on a mountainous complex of modest heights, known as the "Montagna di Montefusco". Here are the highest peaks in the municipal territory: Monte Gloria, Monte San Felice, and the mountain that gives the town its name. The mountainous area stretches between the Valle del Calore Irpino and that of the Sabato, and belongs to a series of municipal territories that also include San Giorgio del Sannio, Calvi, Sant'Angelo a Cupolo, and many other surrounding villages.
The territory is characterized by dense forests of chestnuts and oaks, called "E Surti" in the local dialect, which once extended as far as Benevento. Today, the continuity of the forest is often interrupted, although there are still extensive green areas, especially in the area between Montefusco and Monterocchetta.
The origins of the name
Despite having ancient roots, with origins dating back to the Lombard period, the toponym Montefusco may have a more recent origin. According to some scholars, in fact, the name of the town could derive from the personal name "Fusculus", present in Lombard and Germanic sources. It would therefore be "Mount of Fusculus", the name of a feudal lord of the time.
A rich history of events
The history of Montefusco is ancient and rich in events. According to historians, the town experienced great development during the Lombard period, when castles and fortified villages surrounded the capital of Langobardia Minor, Benevento. Montefusco was probably one of these centers, although not mentioned in any written sources. However, the clearly Lombard masonry of the ruins of the walls suggests that it was an important military and political center.
With the arrival of the Normans, the town officially entered history and written sources. Falcone Beneventano, a historian of the time, spoke of Montefusco as a strategic center dominating the valleys of the Calore Irpino and the Sabato.
A town with priceless artistic beauties
Montefusco is a town with priceless artistic beauties. Among the most important works and monuments, stand out the church of Santa Maria Assunta, the church of San Giovanni Battista, and the chapel of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The church of Santa Maria Assunta dates back to the 12th century and was renovated in subsequent epochs, acquiring influences from various artistic periods.
The church of San Giovanni Battista, on the other hand, also dates back to the 12th century, but was rebuilt in the 18th century in Baroque style, becoming famous for its splendid sculptures and frescoes. Finally, the chapel of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a small chapel dating back to the 16th century, which preserves a painting of remarkable value, depicting the Madonna with the Child and the Holy Trinity.
Traditional activities and local gastronomy
Montefusco is also famous for its traditional activities, among which the art of ceramics stands out, handed down from generation to generation. The fame of Montefusco's ceramics also spread to other centers, such as Cava de' Tirreni, Amalfi, and Vietri.
The local gastronomy is equally rich and valuable, with typical dishes such as pasta and beans, chickpea soup, rustic pizza, and desserts based on walnuts, almonds, and figs. Finally, don't miss the tastings of local wines, such as Taurasi DOCG, one of the most famous wines in Campania.
A charming place among the hills of Campania
Montefusco is a charming place, nestled among the hills of Campania, which offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding panoramas. Stone houses, narrow and winding alleys, ancient churches, and popular traditions make this town a unique and suggestive place.
This small, welcoming, and warm community awaits you with its authentic charm and timeless beauty. Come and visit us and discover Montefusco!
